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5 Minutes with David Krynauw

Haywire by David Krynauw

Bench 6 by David Krynauw

Joburg Small Table by David Krynauw

Long Leg 3 by David Krynauw

Long Leg 3 by David Krynauw

David Krynauw's designs are characterised by an original simplicity that never compromises on the details. The Joburg-based studio's work honours the materials with quality craftsmanship that constantly pushes the boundaries. We had a quick chat with David about Jozi and the benefits of manufacturing locally.

How does the city of Joburg inspire you?

The work we produce is a direct result of our environment, the interaction between team members and client, and the collective knowledge built up by all involved. Johannesburg has played a pivotal role in affecting all these aspects in a profound way, so the work can inherently be seen as inspired and produced out of Johannesburg.

How do you get the balance of form and function right with your pieces?

I don't think form should be compromised for the sake of aesthetic fakery. Beautiful design should be honest, thoroughly considered and well expressed. This is normally driven by the function and there should be no compromise.

What would you say are the benefits of manufacturing your furniture locally?

I have always had the vision of manufacturing in-house and this has allowed us to develop our processes that gives us our uniqueness.

To build our economy, South Africa has to become serious about manufacturing. There are several reasons why I am positive about South Africa as a manufacturing environment and I look forward to seeing this industry morph into something more than the current state. Our manufacturers need to look at product design and our designers should try to understand the processes behind making things. A better connection here will prompt invention.

Which piece are you most proud of to date, and why?

Looking back at the work we've produced it is difficult to single pieces out as each piece represents some kind of progression on what was learnt from prior experience. If I have to single out three pieces it would be the Haywire for being my first product gaining international status, Kas 1 for defining a process that opened the door to design within our Joburg method and our first building 'Kapel' as a expression and representation of what the future of this business might hold.